20/07/10…SSA Media Release
The Super Sedan Association held their annual Presentation Dinner in Brisbane on Saturday night (July 17) to recognise the achievements of competitors throughout the 2009/2010 season. Hosted by three-time Australian Super Sedan Champion Ron Pyne, more than 100 competitors and guests gathered at the Holiday Inn for a night of celebration and to acknowledge the outstanding performers of the last 12 months.
SSA President Paul Geary was confirmed as the winner of the season-long Freightliner Trucks Championship Series, with consistency and perseverance carrying the long time campaigner to his first SSA championship win. After an inauspicious start to the series with a DNF in the opening round at Brisbane International Speedway, Geary was a model of consistency from this point with a remarkable run that included nine consecutive top ten results, six of which were inside the top five. A minor hiccup in round 11 proved no obstacle as another top ten finish in round 12 was enough to clinch the championship when the final round at Gympie’s Mothar Mountain Speedway was ultimately washed out, leaving Geary more than 80 points clear of his nearest rival.
Steve Pearce also secured his best ever series result, finishing second in the championship ahead of former Modified Production pilot Michael Halley. Gavin Northfield finished fourth overall ahead of Matt Williams, Colin Hockley and Craig Torr, with Darren Kane, Ian Brims and Barry Craft rounding out the top ten. More than 60 drivers from three states took part in the 2009/2010 series, which is expected to be even bigger this season with a brand new Proton sedan for the 2010/2011 series champion courtesy of Ian Boettcher Proton.
The Sport Engines Development Series saw Justin Smithwick emerge as the series winner after a dominant display throughout the season that will surely see him move up to the championship series in 2010/2011. Jason Campbell finished second in the standings, with Kyall Fisher clinching third in a great result for the Roma-based team. Peter Smith, Lyall Fisher and Colin Moss were next in line ahead of Dempsie Pails, with Graeme Elliott, Brendan Doyle and John Tischler completing the top ten on this occasion.
In addition to his runner-up finish in the Development Series, Jason Campbell also picked up the Rookie of the Year Award. In an outstanding performance given his lack of experience in the category, Campbell qualified on the front row for the Grenville Anderson East Coast Grand National at Lismore Speedway and led for much of the race in very illustrious company.
The prestigious Geoff McHugh Memorial Award was presented to Matt Williams, recognising his attitude, effort and achievement throughout the season, which included victory in the Queensland Championship and the $5000-to-win Hosepro Classic. Another Rockhampton-based driver in Craig Torr was awarded Best Presented Car and Crew, while Darren Kane picked up the Hard Charger Award.
Williams and Torr, along with Smithwick, Kyall Fisher and Lyall Fisher, were also afforded special recognition for their efforts in travelling extensively from their regional Queensland bases to support the SSA schedule.
